Follow 3×3 Rule. THREE PARAGRAPHS OF AT LEAST THREE SENTENCES EACH ONE, WITH AT LEAST TWO CITATIONS AND TWO REFERENCES NOT OLDER THAN 2015. APA STYLE. NO PLAGIARISM PLEASE. : Palliative and End-of-Life Care The hospice nurse has a unique role in the provision of end of life services. 1. Mention important roles (at least 3) of the nurse while providing quality end -of-life care to seriously ill persons and their families. Explain your answer.
The role of the hospice nurse in providing quality end-of-life care to seriously ill individuals and their families is multifaceted and crucial for ensuring the overall well-being and comfort of patients. Firstly, a significant role of the nurse is to assess and manage the physical symptoms experienced by the patient. This includes monitoring pain levels, administering medication, and providing other interventions to alleviate symptoms such as nausea, shortness of breath, and fatigue (National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization [NHPCO], 2015). By effectively managing physical symptoms, the nurse helps to improve the patient’s quality of life, allowing them to remain as comfortable as possible during their end-of-life journey.
Secondly, the hospice nurse plays a vital role in providing emotional and psychological support to both the patient and their family members. Serious illness and end-of-life care can be mentally and emotionally challenging for all involved, and the nurse acts as a compassionate and empathetic presence, offering a listening ear and gentle guidance (NHPCO, 2015). This support is essential for addressing fears and concerns, processing grief and loss, and promoting a sense of peace and acceptance during this difficult time. By actively engaging with patients and their families on an emotional level, the nurse can help to foster a supportive environment that recognizes and respects their individual needs and preferences.
Furthermore, a key role of the hospice nurse is to facilitate open and effective communication among all members of the healthcare team, patients, and their families. Effective communication is central to ensuring that patients and their families are well-informed about their condition, prognosis, and treatment options. The nurse acts as a liaison, providing clear and concise information, answering questions, and addressing concerns. This role is especially important in end-of-life care, where complex medical decisions and palliative interventions may need to be made (Barron, Welch, & Bokhour, 2015). By fostering communication and promoting shared decision-making, the nurse empowers patients and their families to actively participate in their own care and make informed choices that align with their values and goals.
In summary, the roles of the hospice nurse in providing quality end-of-life care are diverse and interconnected. The nurse is responsible for assessing and managing physical symptoms, providing emotional support, and facilitating effective communication between patients, families, and the healthcare team. These roles are crucial in ensuring that seriously ill individuals receive holistic care that addresses their physical, emotional, and psychological needs in their final stages of life.
References:
Barron, A. M., Welch, L. C., & Bokhour, B. G. (2015). Exploring the relationship between hospice length of stay, patient and hospice characteristics, and type of care setting. Journal of Palliative Medicine, 18(5), 425-430.
National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO). (2015). Nursing Reference Center: Hospice Care. Retrieved from http://www.nursesource.org/hospice-care.html